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Cheika hails consistent All Blacks

Australia head coach Michael Cheika believes New Zealand are way ahead of their closest rivals as they prepare for the Rugby Championship decider.

The Wallabies and All Blacks are locked on nine points apiece in the table after picking up two wins from their respective two games so far in the tournament.

And it seems the mind games have already begun ahead of the August 8 clash in Sydney, with Cheika praising how New Zealand are playing at the moment.

"This year it's a little bit closer, but it's very obvious that New Zealand are the best team in the world, and I mean by a long way at this stage," the boss told Australian media after their impressive bonus-point win over Argentina.

"To beat South Africa like they did, I think they did it pretty easy in the end.

"They've been so consistent over so many years, so just having a couple of wins in the Rugby Championship, you're not going to guarantee anything," he added.

"We've got to work really hard over the next couple of weeks, plan well and really make sure that we run out at ANZ Stadium in a couple of weeks' time we're ready to make Australian rugby people proud of how we play.

"I don't know how that will end up, but I know we'll be ready to do that bit at least.